Does Benzoyl Peroxide Help With Acne Scars?

Does Benzoyl Peroxide Help With Acne Scars?

 

 

   NO! Benzoyl peroxide belongs to BHA and is primarily used to treat acne by reducing bacteria and inflammation. While it can help reduce the appearance of active acne, it is not effective in removing acne scars. Almost all dermatologists love it and prescribe it to patients with acne and other problems. It kills bacteria by releasing free radical oxygen species. There is no bacterial resistance with benzoyl peroxide. This is the reason why in acne, we encourage the use of benzoyl peroxide antibiotic combination rather than antibiotic alone. 

   Scar treatment options may include procedures such as laser therapy or microdermabrasion, and topical products containing ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids. It is recommended to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best scar treatment plan for your specific needs. A little detail of this is given below after discussing other uses of benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide is available in 2.5%, 4%, 5%, and 10% strength in gels, creams, lotions, and washes.

Uses:

Whiteheads and active acne It helps in reducing whiteheads due to its keratolytic effects. It is helpful in active acne as well due to its antibacterial properties. How to use: use 2.5% gel twice a day for only one hour

1)Armpit odor

 Bacterial overgrowth Is the cause of bad-smelling armpits. Using benzoyl peroxide soap while bathing helps in reducing odor. Apply the soap and leave it on for 5 mins before washing it off.

2) Smelling feet:

 Pitted keratolysis is a common condition that can give a bad odor to feet. Using benzoyl peroxide soaks for 10 minutes helps in improving the condition.

3) Buttock acne

Benzoyl peroxide washes can help in improving active acne in the buttocks. Do not use it for dark spots as it won't help in improving the spots once acne has resolved.

4) Back acne

Active acne on the back also improves with benzoyl peroxide soaps or washes. Short contact 5 % gel also helps if applied over a small area.

5) Razor bumps

 Red bumps in the beard area are common in those who close shave or do reverse shaving. Using benzoyl peroxide in the beard area twice a day helps in reducing the bumps.

Side effects:

It totally depends upon the concentration and frequency of its use and whether you are sensitive to it or not. If your skin is very sensitive then this ingredient is not for you. Its side effects are

 1) Bleaching effect:

2) It can bleach colored clothes and bed sheets.

3) Redness and irritation may occur. Short contact therapy can be used for people who cannot tolerate it.

4) Do not use it if damaged the skin barrier, is irritated, or very dry skin.

5) The use of topical benzoyl peroxide has not been studied during breastfeeding. Because only about 5% is absorbed following topical application, it is considered a low risk to the nursing infant.

Effective treatment of scars:

1)Vitamin C:

  It is an antioxidant and helps lighten skin. It also fights free radicals and keeps the skin younger looking. In the long run, its use overnight helps to reduce acne scars because it causes a little exfoliation of the skin.

2)Retinoids:

The most well-known and researched ingredient in skincare products. It is mainly used as an anti-wrinkling, anti-aging, and antioxidant and to remove pimple marks and scars. It increases cell turnover and increases collagen production.

3)Microdermabrasion:

A procedure performed in the clinic. Microneedles cause new minute injuries to the skin after which the patient's own plasma is applied to the injured skin to heal the scars and marks.

4)CO2 Laser resurfacing:

A fractionated co2 laser removes the upper layer of the skin and the lower layer thus coming upwards. The cell turnover is increased and scars are gone in a few sessions depending upon the skills of the dermatologist and the availability of the instrument.

  If you want to know about acne treatment here is the link.

https://doctorlyadvise.blogspot.com/2023/04/achieving-clear-skin-effective-acne.html

 

 

 

Effective Acne Treatment for Sensitive Skin: Dermatologist suggestions

ACNE AND SENSITIVE SKIN: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM A DERMATOLOGIST

Are you searching for acne treatment and nothing works for you because your skin gets irritated? then you are at the right place. Hi! My name is Dr. Aleya. I suffered from acne myself and I had very sensitive skin struggling with acne for years. I want to share my knowledge about acne here to get rid of acne and at the same time not cause damage to your skin. Also, I want to mention don't go for home remedies.

Acne is a common skin condition that affects both teenagers and adults. While many people associate acne with oily skin, it can also affect individuals with sensitive skin. Acne in sensitive skin can be challenging to manage, as many treatments can cause irritation and inflammation. The good news is you can effectively treat acne on sensitive skin. This blog will explore the best practices and treatments for acne-prone sensitive skin.

 1)Understanding acne and sensitive skin:

Acne is small bumps on your face that often appear in teenage and cause low self-esteem in new adults. Acne is a condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Sensitive skin is prone to inflammation, making it difficult to treat acne. Sensitive skin often reacts to traditional acne treatments, leading to redness, dryness, and irritation. It is important to identify the underlying cause of acne in sensitive skin to effectively treat it. 

a)Triggering Factors:

1. Sensitive skin is often prone to drying and barrier damage making it easy for bacteria to penetrate the skin. It's caused by Propionibacterium that lives on the skin.
2. It's also caused by hyperactive oil-secreting glands due to hormones, dirt, and impurities on the skin.
3. Moreover diet, not proper face care that is moisturizing again and again, and stress are contributing factors.

b)How it Affects Acne and its Treatment:

Acne treatment is not the same for people with sensitive skin compared to common people. Many topical face washes containing benzoyl peroxide, fragranced soaps and foaming agents, and skin exfoliants are not suitable for sensitive skin types. You know it when your skin feels itchy and irritated or if it peels off after using such products.

2)Best Skincare Practices for Sensitive Skin with Acne

a)Gentle Cleansing and Exfoliation:

You need very gentle cleansing products having very little concentration of active ingredients. You should also avoid using it regularly. Exfoliants are better to be avoided on sensitive skin.

b)Moisturizing with Sensitive Skin-Appropriate Products:

Sensitive skin needs to be moisturized again and again almost twice daily because the barrier is damaged easily. Moisturizers must be water-based not oily that is non-comedogenic and non fragranced. It's better if it contains ceramides and niacinamide.

c)Sun Protection:

It is one of the important steps in the skincare routine for people with sensitive skin. It protects your barrier.

3)Top Ingredients to Treat Acne for Sensitive Skin:

A very gentle ingredient is glycolic acid  (topical) which is very gentle and mild on your skin. But this should not be alone, it is combined with antibiotics (oral) for 3 months depending on your type of acne. A doctor can also ask you to take isotretinoin orally after a blood test if you are not pregnant. tea tree oil is also a good option to use topically. Other topical ingredients are azelaic acid mandelic acid and salicylic acid but in a low concentration.

4) Things to avoid on sensitive skin:

1. Harsh Chemicals and Ingredients
2. Sulfates and Alcohol
3. Fragrances and Dyes

All such types of harsh products will damage your skin and will make your skin irritated and red. So you should avoid it.

 5) Lifestyle Changes that Help Reduce Acne for Sensitive Skin:

1. Use products wisely
2. Don't pop
3. Don't do for home remedies.
4. Visit a dermatologist if you can't control it with gentle products.
5. Keep your face clean with a gentle face wash that suits you.
6. Moisturize your face again and again
7. LOVE YOURSELF AND YOUR SKIN
   

   
   

If you want to know about acne scar treatment here is my post.

https://doctorlyadvise.blogspot.com/2023/04/does-benzoyl-peroxide-help-with-acne.html